Method of Freezing With Brine

Abstract

Improved brine solutions and uses thereof for uncontaminatedly and/or efficiently freezing items such as foods, and biological samples. In accordance with one embodiment, a brine solution containing a sufficient amount of dye in conferring the solution a distinctive color is used in the freezing process. In accordance with another embodiment, a brine solution containing deionized water is used for improving the freezing efficiency and/or freezing capacity.

1 . A method of freezing an item in a brine comprising deionizer water the method comprising:
 cooling said brine to a predetermined temperature; and   subjecting the item to a heat transfer relationship with said cooled brine for a period of time sufficient to freeze the item.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the item is frozen to a temperature of about −20° C. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said brine further comprises at least about 0.005% by weight of a cruciferous oil. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said brine further comprises at least one of propylene glycol and calcium chloride. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said brine comprises about 0.01% rapeseed oil, about 43.18% deionizer water, about 44.06% propylene glycol, and about 12.75% calcium chloride. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said brine further comprises a dye in a sufficient amount to produce a predetermined color of said brine. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said brine is cooled to a temperature ranging from about −30° C. to about −43° C. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said brine is cooled to a temperature ranging from about −38° C. to −40° C. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the item is subjected to the heat transfer relationship by immersion of the item in said cooled brine.